Hello Everyone,

Alain Faessler recently shared an article with me entitled “Can Boeing Be Safe, Profitable, and Wise” by Laura Rittenhouse.  As you know, there have been tragic accidents with the Boeing 737 Max that have resulted in loss of life.  In her article, Laura compared the annual reports of both Boeing and Airbus focusing on the number of times the word safe (or its derivatives) was used and the number of times words related to profit were used.  In essence, Airbus used the word safe about 5 times more (per page) than Boeing.  In addition, in the Boeing annual reports there was a 2:1 ratio of words related to profit compared to safety; whereas, in the Airbus annual reports the ratio was 1:1.

Does this mean Boeing is less focused on safety than Airbus – I don’t know.  However, the Annual Report is one way to communicate to your stakeholders what is important and why.   

The words we use to convey our messages are important.   What we say and how we say it has an impact on those around us.  You have the power to create an environment where people feel engaged and there is a high level of morale and well-being.   A study by the Institute of People and Performance showed that “happy/engaged” employees are 25% more effective/efficient than other employees.  In her article, Laura shares some previous remarks by Paul O’Neill where he referred to this increased efficiency/effectiveness as the discretionary energy people are willing to give if they feel respected and valued. 

In Andrew Sharman’s book, “From Accidents to Zero” he suggests that as leaders we need to think about our purpose – why we are here.  He proposes that we should not think of ourselves as advisors (the ones who “tell”) nor should we think of ourselves as practitioners (the ones the “do”) but rather we should think of ourselves as ENABLERS (the ones who “make things happen”).   As ENABLERS we need to encourage engagement and influence behaviors.

So, as you communicate with your teams, I encourage you to think about the words you use and how you say things.  Ask yourself if your communication would inspire your own engagement and leave you feeling respected and valued. 

Be Safe!

James